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Islamic State: Militants fight back in western Iraqi town Islamic State: Militants enter western Iraqi town of Rutba
(about 1 hour later)
Forces of so-called Islamic State have launched an attack in Iraq on a town in western Anbar province in an apparent attempt to divert attention from the government's offensive on Mosul. Forces of so-called Islamic State launched an attack in Iraq on a town in western Anbar province in an apparent attempt to divert attention from the government's offensive on Mosul.
The mayor of Rutba described the Islamic State (IS) assault on his town from three directions as "fierce".The mayor of Rutba described the Islamic State (IS) assault on his town from three directions as "fierce".
Imad Meshaal spoke of clashes in the centre between IS and security forces. Several policemen died as security forces sought to regain control.
Kurdish Peshmerga forces have meanwhile carried out fresh attacks to the north-east of Mosul which is occupied by IS. Meanwhile, Kurdish Peshmerga forces launched fresh attacks to the north-east of Mosul which is occupied by IS.
In a joint offensive to retake Iraq's second city launched a week ago, the Peshmerga are closing in on Mosul from the north and east while government forces approach from the south. As the pressure builds on IS in and around Mosul, the group has been counter-attacking with suicide bombers and launching assaults in other areas.
Kurdish forces say they carried out new attacks on Sunday morning on IS positions near the town of Bashiqa. Rutba mayor, Imad al-Dulaimi, said insurgents had gained access to the city through IS sleeper cells. It had been under IS control since 2014, but was taken back into government hands four months ago.
Rutba appeal
Mayor Meshaal called on Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to send military reinforcements to Rutba to "save the situation".
Rutba was taken by IS in June 2014, but then recaptured by government-backed forces four months ago.
As the pressure builds on IS in and around Mosul, the group has been counter-attacking with suicide bombers.
On Friday, IS attacked the city of Kirkuk, 170km (105 miles) south-east of Mosul. At least 46 people were killed and many more injured.On Friday, IS attacked the city of Kirkuk, 170km (105 miles) south-east of Mosul. At least 46 people were killed and many more injured.
Kirkuk, a major oil-producing centre, remains under curfew and there were reports of continuing sporadic clashes on Sunday. Kirkuk, a major oil-producing centre, was under curfew and there were reports of continuing sporadic clashes on Sunday.
IS's Amaq news agency posted a video on Sunday purporting to show people celebrating in Mosul after the attack on Kirkuk.
The attack on Rutba, some 90 miles (150km) from Iraq's western border with Jordan, is unlikely to have much effect on the offensive for Mosul, says the BBC's Middle East analyst Sebastian Usher.
But it is another reminder of the threat IS still poses in Iraq, just as with the attacks on Kirkuk, much closer to Mosul, our analyst says.
Is the IS group finished?Is the IS group finished?
Voices from Mosul as battle nearsVoices from Mosul as battle nears
Dodging ghosts of IS in the desertDodging ghosts of IS in the desert
Turkey insists forces cannot remain idleTurkey insists forces cannot remain idle
IS's Amaq news agency posted a video on Sunday purporting to show people celebrating in Mosul after the attack on Kirkuk.
Although the assault on Rutba had little effect on the Mosul offensive, it is another reminder of the threat IS still poses in Iraq, says the BBC's Middle East analyst Sebastian Usher.
On Sunday morning, Kurdish forces say they carried out new attacks on IS positions near the town of Bashiqa.
Reuters TV footage showed smoke rising from the town as Kurdish fighters launched attacks against IS with mortars and machine guns.
US Secretary of State Ash Carter, in talks with the Iraqi Kurdish region President, Masoud Barzani, praised the Peshmerga as "exceptionally capable and essential".
"I'm here to commend you and your forces. I'm encouraged by what I see. We appreciate your friendship," Mr Carter said.
Turkey has insisted that its forces cannot remain idle during the fight to drive so-called Islamic State militants from the Iraqi city of Mosul, but Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi has told the US that there is no need for Turkish forces yet.
The UN says that 5,000 people have been displaced so far by the recent fighting near Mosul. It expects another 200,000 will be uprooted in the coming weeks.
Coalition fighters have continued to push back IS positions around Mosul, with reports saying troops have advanced within 5km (3miles) from the city.
On Thursday Kurdish fighters re-captured the predominantly Christian town of Bartella, which Iraqi counter-terrorism officials say is a key to the larger offensive.